25-4405. Same; examination of system by secretary of state; fee; review of existing system; notice and hearing; changes may be required; rescinding approval; testing systems and equipment. (a) Any person, firm or corporation desiring to sell any kind or make of electronic or electromechanical voting system to political subdivisions in Kansas may in writing request the secretary of state to examine the kind or make of the system which it desires to sell and shall accompany the request with a certified check in the sum of $250 payable to the secretary of state to be used to defray a portion of the costs of such examination, and shall furnish at its own expense such system to the secretary of state for use in examining such system. The secretary of state may require such person, firm or corporation to furnish a competent person to explain the system and demonstrate by the operation of such system that it complies with state and federal laws. The secretary of state may employ a competent person or persons to assist in the examination and to advise the secretary as to the sufficiency of such machine and to pay such persons reasonable compensation therefor. The costs of employment and any other costs associated with the approval of such system shall be paid by the applicant.

(b) The secretary of state may require a review of any theretofore approved electronic or electromechanical voting system and the equipment and operation thereof. Such review shall be commenced by the secretary of state giving written notice thereof to the person, firm or corporation which sought approval of the system and to each county election officer and county commissioner of counties known to have purchased, leased or rented any such system or equipment thereof. Such notice shall fix a time and place of hearing at which those persons wishing to be heard may appear and give oral or written testimony and explanation of the system, its equipment and operation and experience had therewith. After such hearing date and after such review as the secretary of state deems appropriate, the secretary of state may renew approval of the system, require changes therein for continued approval thereof or rescind approval previously given on either a conditioned or permanent basis.

(c) The secretary of state may appoint persons to assist county election officers or county commissioners in the testing of any electronic or electromechanical voting system and its equipment or the programs of such system.

History: L. 1977, ch. 129, § 5; L. 1980, ch. 115, § 3; L. 1981, ch. 172, § 1; L. 2007, ch. 125, § 13; July 1.